Sedation Dentistry Process

The lightest level of sedation dentistry involves nitrous oxide which allows the patient to be relaxed during the procedure and its effects are completely reversible by the end of the procedure. This allows you to return to work or drive home on your own.

Deeper levels of sedation dentistry require medications that you will take in the office. These range from simply taking the “edge off” to not even remembering having any dental work. These levels of sedation dentistry require the patient to have a designated driver to and from the office.

When making your initial appointment at Southview make sure to tell the receptionist that you would like to discuss sedation dentistry Charlotte at your initial appointment.

Additional Information

Why Sedation Dentistry

Many people feel worry and anxiety correlating with a visit to the dentist because they are afraid that it will hurt. In fact, 30 percent of the population avoids the dentist because of this. We are quite sympathetic to this, and we understand that there are varying levels of apprehension connected with the dentist’s chair. We are proud to provide sedation dentistry Charlotte. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible, and we are happy to provide what is needed to make each visit a pleasant one.

Sedation dentistry can help in several ways:

• No pain. The goal of sedation dentistry Charlotte NC is a pain-free appointment. From a mild sedative to general anesthesia, the proper type of medication is utilized to accomplish this.
• No Gagging. Some people have a more sensitive gag reflex, and this can make dental work unpleasant. Sedation reduces the likelihood of gagging during cleaning or other dental procedures.
• Fewer visits. A dentist can work faster on a sedated patient. Years of neglect can often be corrected in just one or two visits.
• You stay calm. For many, there is significant stress or anxiety before even coming to the dentist’s office; the fear and apprehension connected with an upcoming visit can have a detrimental effect hours or even days ahead of time. Knowing that steps will be taken to relax the patient, this nervousness can be reduced. The patient is calm both before and during the appointment.

What Types of Sedation Do We Offer?

There are different levels of sedation:

1. Minimal sedation. The patient is awake but relaxed. Nitrous oxide is administered by inhaling through a mask placed over the nose. The dentist can control the amount of gas used and thus monitor the level of sedation. Nitrous oxide usually wears off quickly; this is the only type of sedation which allows the patient to drive after the visit. A pill – often Halcion – can also be used to bring about this level of sedation. The patient can respond to the dentist’s requests during the procedure. Injections – local anesthetic – may be administered to numb a specific area, but this will only be after the patient is sedated.
2. Moderate sedation. The patient is awake, but motor skills are affected (such as slurring of speech). The patient may fall asleep and not remember much of the visit. Oral medication can be used, often simply a larger dose than would be administered to bring about minimal sedation. This type of medication takes longer to take effect than nitrous oxide, but is stronger and longer lasting.

What We Will Do for You

Before performing any kind of sedation dentistry Charlotte NC, we will discuss the different options with you. We will find out a bit about your medical history, any health issues you may have, and any medications you are taking. We will discuss what dosage is appropriate; factors such as age, weight, and health have a bearing on this. And we will let you know what risks are involved.

Is Sedation Dentistry for You?

If you have some anxiety when you think about sitting in the dentist’s chair, we understand. We would be happy to discuss sedation dentistry with you. We want to make your visit to our office a pleasant, worry-free experience. Feel free to call and schedule an appointment.